Caroline Springs residents have been warned against getting close to dead birds at one of the suburb’s lakes, after the birds were discovered to be affected by a paralytic disease.
Melbourne Water confirmed to Star Weekly dead birds were being removed from the lake, near Springlake Avenue, and independent diagnosis suggested the birds were likely affected by avian botulism.
The disease is caused by the ingestion of toxins produced by a certain bacteria, widespread in soil, and affects the nervous system of wildlife birds by preventing impulse transmissions to muscles..
Melbourne Water waterways regional manager for the western suburbs Cameron Howie said said they were working with other agencies to monitor bird deaths, but the disease was not uncommon during this time of the year.
Mr Howie urged people and pets to stay away from the area and avoid contact with the dead birds.
“It is important to note that lakes like this are part of an urban storm water drainage system that may have various pollution sources in its catchment,” Mr Howie said.
“Because of this, people should consider potential risks associated with coming into contact with urban water bodies.”
According to Agriculture Victoria, humans and other animals can only contract avian botulism by ingesting fish or birds contaminated with the toxin.
Local resident Nathan Miles said he noticed a recent increase in the number of dead, and paralysed birds, at several lakes in the Caroline springs area.
Mr Miles said he received about three calls in the past five weeks about the birds and also saw a few floating on the water during separate occasions.
“I’m not a water specialist but it was clear there was something going on,” Mr Miles said. “You don’t normally see where birds are all dead in the water or floating the way they were.”
